Genshin Impact, the spear remains.

A short while later, the rest of the group finally arrived after hearing the commotion.

However, there weren't many people who came; they were mostly young and middle-aged hunters, along with Diona and Ying. After all, no one knew what had happened here, and those who couldn't protect themselves hid inside the house.

"What happened?"

Passing by the several burly men in front of them, Ying led Paimon to Bai Qiyun's side.

The boy pointed to the unconscious person on the ground, his face dark.

"Let's carry him back first; we still don't know what happened."

Bai Qiyun followed Du Lafu and searched the area, but found nothing except the damp ground and no other clues.

Knowing that this was not the time to discuss this, Ying waved her hand, and a surge of pure wind elemental power erupted from her body, startling everyone around her.

"That's the one from the rumors..."

"Um."

People around gathered in twos and threes, whispering among themselves, making the originally quiet air noisy.

Distracted by the surrounding noise, Bai Qiyun frowned deeply.

He knew that once the news of the Knight of Honor's arrival in Clearspring spread, it would be even more difficult to expose the mastermind behind it all.

"But why would Hopkins be here at this time?"

Watching Ying's movements, Dulav picked up the water bottles around him, put them together, and waited for Hopkins to wake up.

Bai Qiyun overheard the middle-aged hunter's mutterings and immediately turned to Durav to explain everything that had happened.

"So, Hopkins came back to fill the fountain?"

After hearing Bai Qiyun's explanation, Dulav crossed his arms and stood aside to disperse the crowd.

That should be it.

Bai Qiyun nodded, his gaze sweeping over the people surrounding him.

Hopkins was taken to his temporary residence by Ying, and the rest of the people gradually dispersed after Dulaf told them they were no longer needed.

In an instant, the spring returned to its usual tranquility of the night.

"That's the figure you saw earlier, isn't it?"

By the lake, only Bai Qiyun and Diona, who couldn't sleep that night, remained. The boy opened his mouth to confirm with the catgirl.

Although Diona arrived in a hurry, even a fleeting glimpse allowed her to see the full figure of the person lying on the ground, which closely matched the silhouette she remembered.

"Yes, it should be him."

Bai Qiyun's expression did not brighten after receiving Diona's answer; the more he thought about it, the more suspicious he found.

First, what exactly was the strange noise coming from the spring? Second, what is the purpose of Hopkins collecting and selling the spring water? Finally, who is Granny buying the spring water and selling it to?

One mystery after another became intertwined.

----------

"Mr. Drouot, what should we do about this... um, Mr. Hopkins?"

After placing Hopkins on his bed in his room, Ying turned to look at Durov, who had been following her all the way.

Upon hearing this, Dulaf didn't know what to do, but he had already called the town's doctor to come and take care of the patient, hoping it would be of some help.

"Let Bond take a look first. If there's no improvement, I'll send a carrier pigeon to the West Wind Church tomorrow morning to ask them to send someone over."

After leaving the space to Dr. Bond, who had just rushed over, Durov and Ying went outside.

"That's settled then. I'll watch over things here. You all go back and rest."

Logically and emotionally, there was no need for guests to help with things that happened in his own village. Dulav was capable of handling physical tasks like standing guard by himself.

Upon hearing this, Ying led Paimon back into the house, and the night passed without incident.

The next morning, the town became noisy, and the noise of people scratched at Bai Qiyun's face through the window.

"Hmm..."

Bai Qiyun, who already goes to bed late, was completely exhausted by the noise.

The boy huddled under the covers, intending to pretend he hadn't heard and continue his lazy morning.

"Bang!"

But things didn't go as planned. The blonde girl kicked open the door to the boy's room without any mercy, and Paimon, who was next to the girl, flew over and pulled up his blanket.

"Get up! The sun's already high in the sky!"

—So annoying!

Completely exhausted by the little guy, Bai Qiyun had no choice but to obediently get out of bed.

If he sleeps naked, Paimon's behavior just now seems quite dangerous.

"I understand, you can go out now."

After seeing off the two overly energetic people, Bai Qiyun stretched and yawned towards the window.

Good morning, you damn world.

----------

The gentle breeze of a summer morning caressed Bai Qiyun's face, dispelling his heavy sleepiness.

The group walked towards Hopkins' house, and the voices they had just heard seemed to have come from that direction.

"Will that merchant you're talking about wake up?"

Paimonfei stood to the side, biting his fingers.

"have no idea."

She shouldn't have mentioned it, because the mere mention of it made Bai Qiyun somewhat worried.

If Hopkins doesn't wake up, another lead will be lost, making it even more difficult to investigate further.

"Mr. Drouot".

After walking a few more steps, the three of them encountered Dulaf, who was guarding the door.

He yawned a few times, looking exhausted, as if he hadn't slept all night.

Looking at him like this, for some reason, Bai Qiyun suddenly felt sleepy again.

Is sleepiness contagious?

"Oh, it's you guys."

After smiling at Ying who greeted him, Dulaf turned his gaze to the road leading into the village, as if he were waiting for someone.

"Mr. Hopkins...is he still showing no signs of improvement?"

Seeing the people gathered around, they must also be here to ask this question. After all, last night was the only time there was any unusual activity in the spring while someone was present, and these residents have been eager to know what happened.

Sure enough, early this morning, a group of people came over to see how the person involved from yesterday was doing.

"Actually, Hopkins still hasn't woken up. I sent someone from the Church of the West Wind via carrier pigeon early this morning, and they should be here soon."

Dulav explained the situation to the group with some difficulty. Last night, Hopkins' breathing was steady, and he didn't seem to be seriously injured. However, no matter how they called him, he couldn't wake up. So, just to be on the safe side, Dulav wrote a letter and sent it to the Church of the West Wind, waiting for the professionals there to come and handle the situation.

"So, there's still no improvement?"

Bai Qiyun dragged his arm, sighed inwardly, and stood by the wall in a secluded spot, completely hidden in the shadows of the house.

Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I glanced at the road leading into the village and saw the figure of a young girl appear on the hillside.